Andrew Lovell – West Side Elementary

Jan 31, 2018, 4:45 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:10 am

Yes, I am his wife but let me tell you why my husband is the best teacher I have ever known in three unbiased paragraphs.

First, my husband teaches to inspire students. On the first day of school, he commits students to memorize and live by the “The Road Less Traveled” by Robert Frost. This poem transforms the way students think throughout the year and has encouraged students to form and run their own service projects in the community and to go above and beyond what is asked of them. Two years ago his class alone raised near $3000 for the Utah Foster Care. Last year he challenged his class to raise even more. His class fundraised $4000 for the construction of libraries in Uganda and then he spent his own savings to travel to Africa and build the libraries for 5 weeks in June of 2017. He took pictures, used Facebook Live, and took videos so that he was able to show students the impact of their project from beginning to end.

Second, my husband is not a worksheet teacher. Every test, PowerPoint, and handout he uses is personally made and tailored to the needs of his students. His math PowerPoints include real life sixth grader problems, situations, and includes students names to make learning more “real”. He challenges students to ask, “Why do we need to learn this?”, “When will I use this in real life?”, “Why is this important to me?”

Third, you will never find an environment that is more “safe” then within the confinements of his classroom. In his class, students are praised and rewarded for sharing their mistakes and errors in the classroom. Students thus benefit from learning from one another’s mistakes and he reports that these errors are rarely made again. He also uses his personal time, before, during, and after school to create clubs and councils to make sure all students have a place where they fit in (this includes Dungeons and Dragons club, Westside Association of Magicians, and Student Council).

The other day a student had his dad pull over as he jumped out of the car to greet him as we were taking a walk in the neighborhood. He lives and teaches by the following motto, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”. His students not only know that but they feel that.

-Ashley Lovell

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Andrew Lovell – West Side Elementary